Pune: Anandvan Foundation’s Efforts Lead To Roadwork Commencement For Urban Forest Access In Kondhwa Area
Anaum Shaikh
Kondhwa, 4th September 2023: The long-awaited reconstruction of the road leading to Anandvan is finally underway. The nonprofit organization initially approached the forest department, which subsequently raised the issue with the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), leading to the commencement of roadwork on September 4th.
The unmetalled road connecting the urban forest has deteriorated over time, rendering it unsuitable for vehicular transport. The restoration and concretization of this pathway are expected to provide a significant boost to the local economy by attracting more visitors to the area. Improved access to the forest may result in increased business for restaurants and other establishments.
Pravin Kumar, President of the Anandvan Foundation, remarked, “Anandvan had turned into a hanging garden due to the excavation work for slope reduction. There was no paved pathway, even for pedestrians. At present, a small portion of the road will be constructed to accommodate joggers and morning walkers entering the urban forest. We have received assurances from the authorities that a fully developed road for buses will be established soon. This will also facilitate the entry of fire trucks, enhancing fire safety in urban forests, which are susceptible to fire hazards. We are hopeful and grateful for this initiative. Without the assistance and support of the authorities, citizens, and the media, we wouldn’t have come this far.”
The Anandvan Foundation has already established three urban forests in Kondhwa and is in the process of expanding to a fourth, covering an additional 39 acres of barren land. The foundation’s mission is to unite citizens in efforts to beautify the city, improve air quality, and mitigate the heatwave that has plagued Pune’s weather in recent years.
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